Travelers can cruise along Galveston Island on the Colonel, a triple-deck paddlewheel boat. According to Colonel Paddlewheel website, the Colonel is one of the largest paddlewheel boats that has ever cruised the Houston and Galveston area. As travelers cruise the Offats Bayou, the captain will entertain them with tales of Galveston's colorful past. The Colonel Paddlewheel accommodates from 100 passenger private parties to 750 passengers during her public daily cruise. The Colonel also offers a buffet-style dinner cruise by reservation.
Colonel Paddlewheel
One Hope Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77554
409-740-7797
galveston.com
Adventure seekers can cruise the Colorado River in Austin with Capital Cruises and take in some of the most spectacular sights. Capital Cruises offers bat watching cruises March through October during the time the largest bat colony in North American lives under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Cruise goers will travel to the bridge and watch as the bats leave their home at dusk for dinner. According to Austin City Guide, this is the largest urban bat colony in North American and it is estimates that there are 1.5 million Mexican free-tail bats and it takes about an hour for all the bats to emerge. Capital Cruises offers private lunch and dinner cruises in addition to its bat watching cruises.
Capital Cruises
Hyatt Regency Hotel Boat Dock
208 Barton Spring Road
Austin, TX 78704
512-480-9264
capitalcruises.com
Those seeking a leisurely option should sail for three hours around the north end of South Padre Island on a catamaran that holds a maximum of 49 passengers. Southern Wave travels to the Laguna Madre where the water is clear and it is perfect for snorkeling. Guests should bring their own gear or borrow from the Southern Wave. Passengers should not worry if they know how to snorkel, the staff can teach them. It is recommended to keep the eyes open for dolphins while enjoying fresh fruit and burgers. The Southern Wave offers two lounging nets, on board bathrooms, a gas barbecue grill and water toys. Both the Southern Wave and its captain are USCG certified.
Southern Wave Sailing Charters
201 W. Pike
South Padre Island, TX 78597
956-772-7245
sailspi.com
